ButSpeak.com
News which Matters.
In a tragic incident near Rangapani station, a collision between a goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express resulted in nine fatalities and 41 injuries on Monday morning. The Kanchanjunga Express, traveling from Agartala to Sealdah, was struck from behind by the goods train, leading to a severe accident that has prompted widespread concern over railway safety protocols.
Preliminary Findings
The Railway Board‘s initial report indicates that the goods train was traveling above the permitted speed limits under a defective automatic signaling system when it crashed into the Kanchanjunga Express. This revelation has highlighted significant lapses in adherence to safety measures.
Signal System Failure
In cases of automatic signaling system failures, railway protocol mandates a written authority known as TA 912. This document allows train drivers to pass red signals due to the signaling defect, provided they follow strict safety guidelines. Both the Kanchanjunga Express and the goods train had been issued TA 912.
Violations of Safety Protocol
According to TA 912, drivers must stop for one minute at each defective signal and proceed at a maximum speed of 10 kmph, maintaining a 150-meter gap from the preceding train. However, the goods train driver failed to comply with these conditions, leading to the catastrophic collision.
Incident Details
The Kanchanjunga Express had cleared nine automatic signals with TA 912 and had stopped, awaiting further clearance. The goods train, operating under the same authority, did not adhere to the speed limit and collided with the stationary passenger train, causing several coaches to derail.
Official Response
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has launched an investigation into the accident. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the crash site, overseeing relief operations and announcing compensation for the victims’ families. Compensation includes Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for the grievously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
“The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest,”
PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), on 17 June’2024
Political Reactions
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Railway Ministry for neglecting passenger safety and failing to implement the anti-collision system effectively. She accused the ministry of focusing more on fare hikes than on improving safety measures.
Governor CV Ananda Bose emphasized the importance of prioritizing victim care over engaging in blame games.
